Current Road Projects
McCauley Rd Bridge Replacement.
This Bridge, or very large culvert, is deteriorating rapidly, and is critical to traffic movement in this area.
Smallin Road Improvement Project
We appreciate everyone’s patience as work continues on the Smallin Road widening and slope‑stabilization project. This site is located in a low “holler” next to a creek, which means the ground holds moisture longer than typical road projects. Because the area sits on shelf rock, water can’t drain down into the soil as quickly.
For safety and long‑term stability, crews must wait until the ground is dry enough to achieve proper compaction. If soil is compacted while still holding water, it can create voids that later collapse—causing the slope or roadway to settle.
Our engineer and Jody have been monitoring conditions closely, and the site has remained too wet to work safely. The good news is that next week’s forecast shows a stretch of dry weather, which should allow work to resume more continuously.
Thank you for your understanding as we ensure this project is built to last.
The Ozark Special Road District is continuing work on the road widening and safety improvement project along N Smallin Road in Ozark. This effort supports safer travel near the Riverbluff/Riverside intersection, the new Riverside Bridge, and the entrance to Smallin Civil War Cave.
Why the Project Is Needed
Smallin Road has long faced challenges due to steep Ozarks terrain, including narrow lanes, unstable edges, and vegetation encroachment. The area near the new Riverside Bridge also developed a hazardous dropoff that increased safety concerns for residents and visitors.
What the Finished Road Will Provide
The project will deliver a wider, safer, and more durable roadway designed to handle traffic more effectively. Improvements include:
- Additional road width through hillside excavation
- Stabilized slopes and edges using rock, retaining structures, and compacted base material
- Better drainage to prevent washouts
- A smoother asphalt surface
- Potential guardrail installation on steep sections
These upgrades will improve drivability, support tourism, and reduce longterm maintenance needs.
Current Progress
Crews have completed tree and stump removal, begun excavation for widening, placed stabilizing rock, prepared drainage areas, and are using temporary traffic signals to manage onelane traffic during construction. Monthly OSRD meetings provide ongoing updates, including engineering input from Toth & Associates.
Pictured below: a “before” photo of the existing roadway and a future rendering showing what the completed project will look like.
Stormwater Investigation: Barrington Springs Subdivision - McCracken Road
Stormwater Investigation
PDF Download
Riverbluff New Culvert
Pressure Pave.
Pressure Pave is a pressure applied sealant that seals current roads for 10 years. This allows us to maintain the integrity of the asphalt roads in our district, without the constant maintenance associated with tar sealing. The black squiggly lines you see on pavement is tar that is used to seal cracks that appear in asphalt while a road is too new for an overlay, but is beginning to deteriorate. These “tar snakes” are especially dangerous for 2 wheeled transportation such as motorcycles or bicycles, as they create a constantly changing surface that the tires are in contact with, creating traction issues. To learn more please visit – https://www.donelsonconstruction.net/pressurepave/
Roads scheduled to be pressure paved in 2021.
- Greenbridge Rd
- Fremont Rd from A – B
Riverbluff Road/Smallin Road/Riverside Rd Intersection safety improvements
Riverside Rd/McCracken Rd/3rd Street Intersection improvements
This will be a traffic pattern change. The Mill Pond Bridge/Ozark Park Bridge/McCracken Bridge will be closing in the next year for a period of approximately four months for major renovations/repairs. Riverside Rd will flow south without a stop sign, McCracken Rd will have a stop sign when traveling eastbound. This will be a permanent change, even after the bridge reopens.